WEEKS before it reopens in London’s West End, students at King Alfred’s Academy, in Wantage, are putting on their own Miss Saigon.

The cast of 70 students and 24 band members premiered their version of the musical at the college last night.

The musical tells the love story of Vietnamese girl Kim and American soldier Chris against the background of the evacuation of US forces from Saigon in April 1975.

Carys Nicholls,18, playing Kim, said: “This is my final year at King Alfred’s so it has been fantastic to be a part of something this professional. I hope this experience will be something I will put to good use in the future.”

Louis Butler, 17, who plays Chris, said: “It has been a fantastic opportunity for me. There has been a sense of discipline and camaraderie throughout the cast.”

Students also played a large part behind the scenes, with 17-year-old Yasmin Bahar as assistant director and Ollie Base, 18, as assistant musical director.

The show will be performed tonight, Friday and Saturday.

To buy tickets, call the school on 01235 225700.